Win Through Your Actions, Never Through Argument

Judgement

“Any momentary triumph you think you have gained through argument is really a Pyrrhic victory: The resentment and ill will you stir up is stronger and lasts longer than any momentary change of opinion. It is much more powerful to get others to agree with you through your actions, without saying a word. Demonstrate, do not explicate.”

Arguing your point rarely changes anyone's opinion — and even if you appear to win, you lose because you incite hatred. A considerably more effective approach of persuading others to agree with you is to demonstrate your point without saying anything. People believe what they are able to see. Never win an argument, always win through your deeds.

For example, Michelangelo recognised the power of winning through deed rather than argument. The mayor of Florence took a peek at him while he was sculpting the famous statue of David and told him the nose was too huge. Michelangelo understood it was solely from the mayor's point of view, but he didn't argue. Instead, he gestured for the mayor to accompany him onto the scaffolding, where the artist pretended to change the nose.

After a few moments, he took a step back, and the mayor declared it perfect. But Michelangelo hadn't modified it, he'd simply changed the mayor's perspective, from which it appeared to be perfect.

Michelangelo was well aware that disputing with the mayor, who was both a patron and a superior, would irritate him and jeopardise future commissions. He made his point without arguing or insulting anyone.

When you've been caught in a lie and need to divert others from your deception, arguing is the best tactic. In that scenario, argue fiercely and convincingly. The more impassioned you become, the more likely it is that people will believe you.